Tag Archives: the hearth at drexel

Nursing is one of the Fine Arts: I had almost said the finest of Fine Arts. – Florence Nightingale

National Nurses Week is officially celebrated from May 6 to May 12. At Liberty Lutheran, and in all our communities, we recognize and applaud the work done by each and every member of our nursing staff. Day in and day out, our registered nurses (RN), certified nursing assistants (CNA), and licensed practical nurses (LPN) impact the lives of our residents in tremendous ways.

The American Nurses Association’s theme for National Nurses Week 2018 is ‘Nurses: Inspire, Innovate, Influence.” In recent letters from residents and their family members to the staff at Paul’s Run, Artman, The Village at Penn State, and The Hearth at Drexel, the words used to describe the nursing staff echoed that theme. Some of those words include: Helpful. Highly efficient. Sacred. Awesome. Wonderful. Respectful. Compassionate. Just like family.

“The care provided by our nursing staff is second to none,” said Dana O’Donnell, executive director of The Hearth at Drexel. “Their dedication to the wellbeing of each resident is unrivaled and their willingness to go the extra mile is heartwarming. Each day I witness acts of kindness and generosity that go above and beyond their regular duties. Whether it’s stopping to take part in a resident event, or offering an uplifting hug the compassion and skill of our team moves me daily.”

A special message from Luanne Fisher, President and CEO of Liberty Lutheran:

Ruth, Herman, and Sally are once again embracing life. With your help, Liberty continues to procure the resources, talent and technology that inspire these seniors—as well as many others—to greet each day with joy.

Because of your kind generosity, Ruth*, who copes with challenges in cognition and speech, has replaced distress and listlessness with a renewed sense of curiosity and wonder.

Herman*, who struggles with memory loss, has replaced withdrawal and separation with renewed joy in friends and fellowship.

Where at one time she faced failing health and was gripped by despair, today Sally is at a healthy weight, maintains a wholesome diet, and is full of energy and optimism.

For Ruth, It’s Never 2 Late (iN2L) is the catalyst that is drastically improving her well-being. This new technology was made possible by the generosity of donors like you. Designed specifically for memory impaired seniors, iN2L consists of an easy-to-use tablet or touch screen computer that is pre-loaded with personalized activities and individual profile pages for each resident comprised of familiar photos, music, videos, and more.

“Before iN2L, Ruth would constantly pace and continually repeat herself. It was a strain for her emotional and physical well-being. However, with the colorful and interactive activities made available by iN2L, she has become very engaged. iN2L has made such an important impact, not only on Ruth’s recreational needs, but her physical and emotional ones as well,” says Megan Calel, a Household Coordinator at The Hearth at Drexel, Liberty’s personal care and memory care community in Bala Cynwyd.

Herman is once again experiencing life’s small pleasures through the magic of music. “Herman is non-verbal and never chooses to participate in activities. But we’ve had the incredible honor to witness how music has in some way spoken to him. Recently, when I led a group in singing When the Saints Go Marching In, I was delighted to catch Herman mouthing the words. It was extraordinary to see him so present and engaged,” says Molly Bybee, who spearheads music therapy at Liberty’s Paul’s Run senior living community.

Molly frequently uses instruments, headphones, and portable digital media players to enrich her group and one-on-one music therapy sessions. Your gift secures these instruments and devices and replaces any items which worn from use.

Sally’s renewed joy of living grew out of the resources and support provided by LCFS’ West Philadelphia Senior Community Center (WPSCC). During her most debilitating period—when she needed unconditional encouragement and strength more than anything else in her life, WPSCC was there to build up her hope and fortitude. Through WPSCC’s fitness training, and its classes in exercise, disease management, nutrition, and healthy cooking, Sally has been able to successfully reclaim her health and her happiness. She is proud to say without reservation that “WPSCC saved my life.”

Sally continues to rely on WPSCC to maintain her good health—as do many of her peers. And, it is your support that offers critical, life-enriching training, classes, and opportunities to vulnerable seniors.

Liberty is firmly committed to strengthening the lives of older adults through inspiration, innovation, and compassionate care.